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The 4th of July is synonymous with fireworks. This year COVID-19 concerns have cancelled many professional fireworks shows. Unfortunately, individuals choosing to use fireworks on their own face the risk of death and injury. Clark County has strict rules to protect individuals from illegal fireworks use. Do you know how to avoid the dangers of fireworks in Las Vegas? Help your family stay safe this 4th of July with the following firework information.
Fireworks shows and the personal use of safe and sane fireworks can be a lot of fun on the holiday. We hope your family avoids the dangers of fireworks this 4th of July. If a fireworks accident injures you or a loved one, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer that understands the ramifications of these types of personal injury cases. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case.
The Dangers of Fireworks
Fireworks are dangerous and cause fires and injuries. In 2018 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported:
- 9,100 people required medical treatment for fireworks-related injuries.
- Children under the age of 15 accounted for more than one-third (36%) of these injuries.
- Sparklers accounted for 500 emergency department-treated injuries.
- Bottle rockets accounted for 200 emergency department-treated injuries.
Las Vegas Fireworks Fires
The National Fire Protection Association reported that fireworks cause an estimated 19,500 fires each year. In 2018, this included 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused 5 deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
Fireworks injuries and damage to property happen even before the holiday in the Las Vegas area. Leading up to the 4th of July, Las Vegas firefighters have already responded to a fireworks-related house fire. In late June, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVFR) responded to a report of smoke emanating from a roof. LVFR extinguished the flames and found fireworks in a trash bin near the garage. News reports indicate the fireworks were improperly disposed of and caused the trash bin to catch fire. This fire spread to the attic and caused $25,000 in damage. The accident could have been avoided with proper fireworks disposal.
Enjoy Professional Fireworks Shows
Even the “safest” fireworks can cause injuries. The easiest way to avoid the dangers of fireworks is to avoid using fireworks. The NSC encourages individuals to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals. Professionally scheduled shows are subject to change based on weather concerns and COVID-19 restrictions. The following professional fireworks shows are currently scheduled for the Las Vegas area on July 4, 2020:
- Caesars at 9 p.m.
- Eureka at 9 p.m.
- Green Valley Ranch at 9 p.m.
- Lake Las Vegas at 9 p.m.
- M Resort at 9 p.m.
- Plaza at 10 p.m.
- Red Rock Casino at 9 p.m.
- The Legacy Golf Club at 9 p.m.
- Wet’n’Wild at 8 p.m.
Professional fireworks shows have safety restrictions in place to protect individuals. Attending a fireworks show may help people avoid the dangers of fireworks, as it can take the place of people in Las Vegas and elsewhere handling fireworks themselves. This year spectators are encouraged to take additional safety precautions due to COVID-19.
Practice COVID-19 Safety During Fireworks Shows
Clark County is reporting a spike in COVID-19 cases. On June 27, 2020, the Southern Nevada Health District reported 971 new cases of COVID-19. As COVID-19 cases increase in Clark County, protect yourself and your family by taking the following safety precautions when viewing fireworks:
- Avoid crowds
- Practice social distancing
- Always wear a face covering in public
- Frequently wash your hands
- Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms
Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers want you to know about other options for viewing fireworks shows. It may be possible to enjoy a professional fireworks show from the safety of your home. Some professional fireworks shows are live streaming for spectators to access via tablet or smartphone. Live streams avoid all dangers of fireworks. Contact the show provider to ask about remote accessibility.
Fireworks Alternatives
Fireworks are not the only way to celebrate on Independence Day. Celebrate the holiday with noise and color by using the following fun and safe fireworks alternatives:
- Glow sticks
- Red, white, and blue silly string
- Patriotic crafts
- Noise makers
- Confetti poppers (used with adult supervision)
For some, avoiding fireworks is easier said than done. If you choose to use fireworks, follow the below safety tips. If you are a victim in a fireworks accident that is not your fault, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers provides expert representation to make sure you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
Do Not Use Illegal Fireworks
Fireworks are illegal in Clark County except for “safe and sane” fireworks during the week of June 28 through July 4. Fireworks are not allowed after midnight on July 4. This restriction includes Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson. Users of illegal fireworks can face citations and fines. No fireworks of any kind are allowed on federal lands. This includes Red Rock, Mt. Charleston, and Lake Mead.
What Are Illegal Fireworks?
Some fireworks are always illegal in Clark County. A firework is illegal if it is not labeled “safe and sane.” Illegal fireworks are those that explode, leave the ground, or rocket. This includes firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, and roman candles.
Is it Possible to Report Illegal Fireworks Use?
Yes, individuals can report illegal fireworks use. In Clark County, individuals are advised to call 311 to report illegal fireworks usage. 311 is the police non-emergency number. In an emergency, always dial 911.
Instead of calling 311, individuals may also submit an illegal fireworks complaint online at www.ISpyFireworks.com. From June 28 through July 5, 2019, the ISpy site logged almost 17,000 complaints. This included 14,237 complaints on July 4. Since June 1 this year, the ISpy site has received 4,170 complaints.
What Are “Safe and Sane” Fireworks?
“Safe and sane” fireworks are fireworks that keep to a small, circular area on the ground and don’t explode in the air. These include sparklers, cone fountains, glow worms, and toy smoke devices. “Safe and sane” labeled fireworks are sold by locally licensed and inspected non-profit fireworks stands during the holiday week. Fireworks sold by outside vendors may be illegal even if labeled “safe and sane.”
Use Sparklers With Caution
Sparklers may be “safe and sane” but they can still be dangerous for children. Some sparklers burn as hot as 2,000 degrees. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.
All fireworks are dangerous. If you or a loved one are injured in a fireworks accident, speak with the experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Fireworks Safety Tips
If you choose to use fireworks, exercise extreme caution. Avoid the dangers of fireworks with preparation and safe cleanup. The Clark County Fire Department provides the following safety tips for fireworks preparation, use, and disposal.
Preparation
Prepare to use fireworks by doing the following:
- Only use “safe and sane” fireworks.
- Be considerate of neighbors and those sensitive to loud noises.
- Have a garden hose connected and ready for use.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks.
- Do not use homemade fireworks.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Read the fireworks’ instructions and safety precautions.
Use
Practice safe fireworks use by doing the following:
- Never use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Wear protective eyewear when using or near fireworks.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Only allow older children to use fireworks under adult supervision.
- Never use illegal fireworks.
- Avoid holding lighted fireworks by hand.
- Never use fireworks indoors.
- Place fireworks on a flat, hard surface.
- Use fireworks in a clear area away from people, buildings, vehicles, and dry brush.
- Light one device at a time.
- Never light devices in a container
- Maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding.
- Follow all local regulations regarding fireworks.
- If clothes catch on fire – stop, drop, and roll.
- Treat burns with cool water and gauze. If the burn blisters, seek medical help.
Disposal
Safe cleanup and disposal is vital to fireworks safety. Spent fireworks can still cause fires and injuries. After you are done using fireworks do the following:
- Place discharged fireworks into a bucket of water overnight to make certain they do not re-ignite.
- Ensure there are no remaining sparks, embers, or heated debris that could cause something to ignite later.
- Clean up litter left behind from fireworks.
Fireworks play a role in many celebrations. Stay safe and use caution when using fireworks.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
We hope these tips help you stay safe around fireworks. If you are injured by fireworks because of someone else, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at our Las Vegas law firm. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help you protect your rights. Our personal injury lawyers can represent you against the party or parties at fault and help you gain maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation. Our office is located in Henderson and we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Should you need us to, we can come to you for your free case analysis.
Last updated Thursday, July 4th, 2024
